Reason #17: The Myth of the Political Outsider

Perhaps the most outrageous thing about the crushing stranglehold the two major parties have over our political process is how often candidates from those dominant parties try to act like “outsiders.” They recognize that voters are desperate for someone outside of the system. That’s why they constantly brag about coming into office and “cleaning up Washington.” What a crock. Just by being members of one of the two major parties, they’re automatically insiders with no intention of rocking the boat, let alone pushing for the major changes we need.

Bill Clinton pawned himself off as an “outsider” candidate, someone who came from a humble background and a small town called “Hope”. But that small town boy was a veteran political operator with deep connections to the Democratic machine. What’s more, he was bankrolled by the richest men in Arkansas.

George W. Bush also tried to portray himself as a Washington outsider while running for president. He strutted around in cowboy boots and larded his voice with a thick Texas accent. But it was all a sham. In reality, he’s the consummate Washington insider and the blood in his veins runs as blue as a summer sky at Kennebunkport.

Despite his ten-gallon hat exterior, Bush was educated at the finest Northeast prep schools and got into Yale and Harvard Business School thanks to his daddy’s money and reputation. Then he spent the better part of his adult life running businesses into the ground and getting bailed out by his family’s eager-to-please friends. He only got into politics because of his father’s connections. That’s about as inside as an insider can get.

NEXT: Reason #18: Bush’s Debt Bomb